Oh Holy Night

Bethlehem, what a terrifying place to live.

A place where kings killed babies and heavily pregnant women were given no refuge. A scenario which is difficult to comprehend. Jesus was born in a time of instability and upheaval. It was a dangerous and uncertain time to live. The powers of the day were corrupt and evil.

Mary and Joseph were on the run, trying to save the life of their child. They had to leave their home and travel to a foreign land. Out of their comfort zone and trying to survive in a strange culture.

We live today in challenging and uncertain times. Life is difficult and we are bombarded by unfairness and terror on a daily basis.

More than ever the message of Christmas is an anchor for us all.

A message of peace in a time of anxiety.

Rest in a time of uncertainty.

Joy in a time of grief.

Love in a time of fear.

In this scenario Gods amazing love can shine through Jesus. Through Him we find love and through Him the pathway to peace.

The words of my favourite hymn “Oh Holy Night” always bring me to tears. This song particularly resonates with me in all that we are facing as a community locally and internationally.

O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

The words and lyrics of the old carol ‘O Holy Night’ were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856).

He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

Merry Christmas to you all. Love Lisa.

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2 Comments on “Oh Holy Night”

We Christians know that we are ‘saved’ but seem lethargic in ‘working out our salvation.’ We are saved for a purpose, to be Christian activists freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, caring for the creation, and building in preparation for the final coming Kingdom. The incarnation heralds a new world order, the promise of God to make ALL THINGS new.